Olumide Bajulaiye
Lagos
Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, has described the Ibadan Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, as " notorious barbarian for his gross violation of human rights."
He said the attempt by President Umaru Yar'Adua to restore the rule of law appeared a mockery with the recent ridiculous charges brought against Adedibu.
Soyinka, who spoke Monday in Lagos at a conference organised by the Campaign for Democracy (CD) to mark this year's World Human Rights Day celebration, said he was surprised that Adedibu, who has been long overdue for arraignment for alleged multiple crimes, was only charged with attempt to disturb public peace.
"We are passing through extra-ordinary times. The rule of law appears to be regaining its place as one of the pillars of civilised existence, and the gospel of the garrison is falling on deaf ears, never mind the desperate efforts of a discredited ruler to shore up the rotted house posts of garrison power, and the lackadaisical conduct of the police towards public felons and enforcers.
"The mockery of the law continues in cynical forms. Impunity mounts impunity as a notorious barbarian, long overdue for arraignment on multiple crimes, is escorted far from the scene of his crimes and accused of nothing more alarming than attempting to disturb the peace," says Soyinka, whose speech was read by the CD National President, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin.
"Attempting to disturb the peace? Sacking a legislative house in broad daylight? Attacking lawyers even within court premises? Unleashing violence on a place of worship for the sole purpose of hijacking a motor vehicle?" Soyinka asked. Full Story
No comments:
Post a Comment